RUI EN, 33

The self-professed beauty junkie has been announced as the face of L'oreal Paris Youth Code skincare for the second year running. And for the first time, she will also front the local ads for the brand's cosmetics such as eyeliner and lipsticks.

The award-winning MediaCorp actress is currently filming the Channel 8 psychological thriller Against The Tide that will wrap in June.

What is the one product you would not step out of the house without?

Eyeliner. It is the staple of my make-up look. I have tried many because my eyeliner smudges often as I have oily lids. I want one that I can apply easily but does not make me look like the Joker in crying scenes.

What is the one grooming service you cannot do without?

Gel manicures. They are a godsend as you can do housework without worrying that your nails will chip. I get my nails done once every two to three weeks.

My favourite design so far is the one I wore for the New Year countdown. They were black talon-shaped extensions that were decorated with silver accents and diamantes.

What is the best beauty invention?

Pre-serum essences such as the Youth Code Boosting Essence ($39). I use it after cleansing and just before the toner. It helps the other skincare products that I apply afterwards to absorb better.

What is your favourite perfume?

I am a perfume collector. My whole room is filled with perfume bottles. I think I own about 200 of them.

The perfume that best represents me is Chanel No.19 ($225 for 100ml). It is unconventional. When you first smell it, you will not go, oh, I love it. But it grows on you. I guess you could say I have that effect on people too. I also love vanilla gourmand perfumes such as Guerlain's Spirituese Double Vanille. It is mouthwatering.

I will try any perfume. If the one I am interested in is expensive, I will buy decanted 5ml vials online to try them out first.

What is the most ridiculous thing you have done in the name of beauty?

I used to rinse my hair with apple cider vinegar. I would do it after shampooing and before conditioning.

It worked and left my hair shiny. But the apple cider vinegar smell became stronger once I perspired. So I stopped using it.

What is the best beauty tip anyone has given you?

Wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun. I started wearing sunscreen every day when I was 14 because my mum forced me to. For me, a good sunscreen must be weightless and not too matte, but adds a dewiness to my make-up. I like the ones from L'Oreal Paris, Cle De Peau and Bioderma.

This article was published on March 28 in Urban, The Straits Times.

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